Lowest IPL Scores Defended: Punjab Kings' Victory over KKR Places Them Among Nineteen Low-Scoring Wins
Let's Talk Low Scores and PBKS's Dominance in IPL Defense
Kicking off this week, Punjab Kings delivered a jaw-dropping performance, securing an impressive 16-run win against the Kolkata Knight Riders by defending a paltry 111 runs. With Chahal's sensational bowling (4 for 28) and Marco Jansen's phenomenal spell (3 for 17), they defended one of the lowest scores ever recorded in the IPL.
So here's a rundown of some other jaw-dropping defense performances that don't make the headlines often but are equally impressive:
- Last but certainly not least, Punjab Kings' historical performance: Defending a mere 111 against KKR (2025). They managed to stifle KKR to a measly 95, setting a new standard for the lowest defense in a non-rain affected game.
- Punjab Kings' unbelievable defense of 106 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2015) in a rain-shortened game at Mohali. Despite a decent score of 106/6, RCB's power-packed top three, known for their budget-breaking salaries in fantasy teams, were restricted to just 84/6 by Axar Patel (2/11) and Beuran Hendricks (1/9).
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru's defense of 106 for 2 against Chennai Super Kings (2013) in a rain-affected game, with Kohli scoring a brutal 56 and Chris Gayle contributing 28 in the shortened overs. Despite this powerful start, RCB was restricted to just 82/6, securing a 24-run victory in just eight overs and holding the record for the lowest score successfully defended in IPL history.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad's defense of 119/8 against Pune Warriors India (2013), with Amit Mishra taking a hat-trick and Pune crumbling under pressure to end the game on a sad 108, giving SRH a narrow 11-run win.
- Mumbai Indians' defense of 120 for 9 against Pune Warriors India (2012), with Sachin Tendulkar leading from the front, making 34. The MI bowlers defended the score fiercely, with Pune crumbling under pressure to end on 119, just one run short of a win.
- Another Pune Warriors heartbreak, this time at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH's 119 (carried by Biplab Samantray, who made 37) was below par, but a devastating spell from Amit Mishra (4/19) turned the game on its head. The Warriors were bowled out for just 108, handing SRH an unlikely 11-run win and helping establish the franchise's reputation for defending tiny targets.
- Mumbai Indians' defense of 125 for 7 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (2021) was a masterclass in slow-pitch defense. Aiden Markram's 27 was the highest score for PBKS, and despite some struggles, disciplined bowling led by Ravi Bishnoi (3/24) and Mohammed Shami (2/14) ensured SRH never really got going, ending the game on 120/7 and giving PBKS a narrow win by five runs.
It's fascinating to note that Punjab Kings have been particularly skilled at defending low scores, with a whopping four of the nine lowest scores defended in the IPL having been by them. One has to marvel at their ability to pull off these incredible victories. Remember, it's not always about big totals, sometimes it's about bowling excellence and a steel-like mentality that sets the stage for a win!
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Sources:[1] updated information on overall low score defense records, positions 1-7[2] detailed insights into Punjab Kings near-historical performance (2025)[3] historical context and comparisons with other low score defenses[4] additional anecdotes and color commentary on the 2009 CSK vs PBKS game.
- In the pantheon of low-scoring defenses in the IPL, Punjab Kings' historic 111-run defense against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025 stands out, especially their scappy victory with a measly 95 runs from KKR.
- Punjab Kings' remarkable defense of 106 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rain-shortened game in 2015 is worth mentioning, as Axar Patel and Beuran Hendricks stifled a power-packed top three to just 84 runs.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru's defense of 106 for 2 against Chennai Super Kings in a rain-affected game in 2013 set a precedent for low-scoring wins, with Kohli and Gayle contributing but still being restricted to 82 runs.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad's defense of 119/8 against Pune Warriors India in 2013, featuring a hat-trick by Amit Mishra, is another impressive low-scoring victory.
- Mumbai Indians' defense of 120 for 9 against Pune Warriors India in 2012 saw Sachin Tendulkar lead the way, with disciplined bowling ensuring a narrow 1-run victory.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad's 11-run win over Pune Warriors India in 2012 was another heartbreak for the Warriors, with Amit Mishra's 4 wickets turning the game around and limiting them to 108.
- Mumbai Indians' defense of 125 for 7 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021 epitomizes slow-pitch defense, as Ravi Bishnoi and Mohammed Shami ensured SRH never really got going, ending the game on 120/7 for a 5-run victory.
Particularly noteworthy is Punjab Kings' success in defending low scores, holding the record for the most such performances in the IPL. Don't forget to place your bets on their upcoming matches - cricket betting predictions, cricket world cup picks, and IPL tips are available from our BET Contributor.
